Written by Naina Singh, a grade 6 student.

On the 8th of September, the Indian Army Tuesday said it was the PLA – the army of China called the People’s Liberation Army – that fired some gunshots in the air, as they tried to come forward to the Indian side along the  Line of Actual Control in Ladakh (in Kashmir).

The Line of Actual Control of the LAV is a line that separates India’s border from Chinese-controlled territory.

This is the first time since 1975 when shots have been fired in this area. The Indian soldiers at a place called Mukpari thwarted (spoiled) an attempt by the Chinese to reach the top of the hill. The tension between the two sides continues. Troops from both sides were in the area till Tuesday evening.

The Chinese, it is being said, have been trying to get onto higher points (from where they’d be able to see on the Indian side) almost daily, ever since August 29-30. About a week ago, Indian troops occupied a high place, which gave them a view of the area in the much wanted Chushul sector.

Chushul is extremely important because of its location and terrain, which make it perfect for the deployment of tanks and troops. Also, it has an airstrip, and also a road that connects to Leh (the capital of Ladakh), which is of great use during operations.

If you want to read a quick, simple history about India- China border conflict, it’s explained really well here and here.